The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, US

18th century

This description points to a beautiful and intricately designed textile with notable features. The cover's characteristics, such as its bright and valued colors, needle lace border with natural and organic motifs, and silk cloth material, indicate its high quality and craftsmanship. The lace being divided into two registers with stylized plants and flowers could be an indication of an artistic representation of flora, possibly showcasing plants growing above ground with their roots in pots, conveying a sense of growth and cultivation.

Given its large size and square form, it is likely that this textile would have been used as a table cloth. Tablecloths are typically designed to cover and protect tables while adding an aesthetic touch to the dining area or serving space. The size and shape suggest that it was intended to be laid on a dining table, creating an elegant and decorative setting for meals and gatherings.